To confirm, this means that for PPD (for example), roughly 480 people will have TAKEN the test by the end of January, because those counting as "scheduled" in this count have test dates in the month January? Knowing that you can schedule tests months in advance, just wanted to make sure that I am interpreting the wording of this count correctly.

Is there any sense of how long will it take for NCARB to "establish the cut score" once the 600 tests have been taken in a particular division?

I'm finding it quite frustrating to have prepared, transitioned and then see that the estimates given by NCARB for how long it would take to establish cut scores were so far off. I've heard from many colleagues (and experienced myself) that it is difficult to get test dates, so that is an additional challenge outside of our control as candidates to getting these numbers up...hopefully NCARB is working with Prometric not only to fix the software lag but to get enough test dates available.

If the cut score quota is not proceeding per your estimates, will the rolling clock for canidates be extended?

I took PPD and have scheduled PDD, we cannot retest within the 60 day period until it is determined if we passed or failed. This inability to retest removes elgibility time away from those that transitioned to 5.0. In addition the exam went live November 1, however we could not schedule exams until after November 1, eating away more eligibility time.

Getting a slot at a prometric center is not easy even in Los Angeles with mutltiple (10+ centers in LA and Orange County) testing centers available due to other exams (GRE, MCAT, private school admissions, professional exams etc.) being tested at Prometric. My main concern is that my rolling clock starts expiring in 2018 and it is very possible that I will still be waiting on a score report for PDD and not have the ability to retest. The transition put me in a weird dead zone where I did not want to continue with 4.0 and had to wait until 5.0 was available.

By the way, the 5.0 format seems nicer with the case studies, I hope I did well, but I am concerned the scoring process will kill allot of my remaining 5 year testing window.

Caroline, you are correct that by the end of January, 480 people will have taken PPD. If 20 more people schedule this division next week for sometime in January, then the next update will say 500.

I understand the frustrations over lower testing volumes. Our original estimates expected a little higher volume rates also. We are able to begin some of the cut score work prior to the 600 administrations in each division, but we just won't be able to release score reports until we are closer to that 600 number. If you know anyone waiting to test, encourage them to get in now -- it will help you get your results sooner! Maybe even drive them to the test center...haha.

And Kelly, delays in score reports will not impact your five year rolling clock. For exams that extend beyond the 60 day retest window we will likely be granting extensions.

Ryan, I think you may have just inadvertently dropped a bombshell revelation, or am I just reading too much into what you said...

When you say "...until we are closer to that 600 number..." does that mean NCARB is actually going to release scores before the 600 mark is reached?? If so, how close do you guys want to be? Can we count on receiving scores at the end of this month for PPD if we are under 100 away?

I think you might be reading into a little too much Daniel. What I really meant there was if we are at 590 administrations and the remaining 10 are scheduled for a month out still, then NCARB will be reasonable about it.

Would NCARB consider waiving or shortening the 60 day retest window for those of us who are waiting for the cut score? I think I already know the answer to this question, but just logistically (trying to knock out these last 2 tests!) I would hate to find out that I failed, after waiting a couple months for the cut scores to be released, and then have to delay another 2 months until April or May to re-take a test I took in December.

It is hard at this point to expand on how exactly we will address this because we don't yet know how people will be impacted by waiting for score reports on whether they passed or failed. We just don't know the timing/delay impact until we know the length of the delay.

It will likely not be waiving the 60 day wait period though, because that has to do with exam security and exposure. Lauren, as a quick point of clarification, you would NOT have to wait an additional 60 days after receiving your score report. The 60 days is from the time you take the test, not receive your score.

As I mentioned, there will likely be rolling clock extensions for individuals based on how long the delay in score reports is, which division, etc. That is about all we know on this right now, but I promise it will be fair and we will allow delays in score reports to negatively effect candidate's rolling clocks. Hope this helps.

Since most of the divisions are not even close to reaching 600 administrations, have you considered extending the gift card offer beyond January 31st? Wasn't it originally supposed to include the first 600 test takers for each test, maybe that was a good strategy, since the numbers aren't coming in very quickly, it could be June before some of these cut scores are ready! I, for one, would be more likely to schedule my next test if that incentive was extended, but I need a little more time to study than January 31st can give me, so I'm not moving very quickly since I know I can't make that deadline.

Thanks for the update. Does the smiley indicate that we've hit the threshold and results are imminent? Or does this simply mean that 600 tests have been scheduled/administered and we're still a few weeks out from scores?

I had the same question, but if you look in the itty-bitty fine print under the chart is says that "The cut score process has begun for Project Development & Documentation. Candidates can expect score reports in this division by mid-February"

The small print under the box up top says that the cut score has been met and we should receive test results by Mid-Feb for PPD. Fingers crossed my score helps bring the curve down for future testers ;-) I'm pretty sure I failed both of these exams, but we'll see.

Please Clarify if Both PPD and PDD are being evaluated for cut scores. The Smile indicates PPD is done but the fine print under suggests that PDD is also be evaluated for cut scores and will be released Mid February. Is this accurate or is it a typo?

Oops! Mis-type on my part. Apparently I need another cup of coffee. And well played Thomas.

The cut score process has begun for Project Planning & Design. Score reports will be available around mid-February. We are getting closer on Project Development & Documentation, but we have not begun this division yet.

I have update the chart. I also made the "itty-bitty fine print" bigger.